California State Firefighters' Association (#7)This group of retired firefighters has restored antique, horse-drawn fire equipment to its original glory: an 1899 Allen Hose Wagon, a 1900 Pirsch Fire Wagon, a 1902 American Steam Fire Engine and a 1901 Seagrave Hook & Ladder. Twenty five firefighters dressed in period uniforms are riding the wagons and displaying early firefighting tools. Riding along with the team is Blaze, the Dalmatian fire-service mascot, who demonstrates "Stop, Drop and Roll" and other fire safety routines.
The team's horses represent most of the breeds used to pull early fire wagons. The larger horses, such as the Percherons, American Creams and Belgiums, were used to pull the heavy equipment. The smaller horses, such as the Haflingers, were used for the lighter hose and tool wagons. Representing over 30,000 fire service personnel, the California State Firefighters' Association is the oldest and largest Fire Association in California. They travel throughout California promoting fire prevention and education.
Marshal: Dave A. Hubert
First Cavalry Division, U.S. Army Fort Hood (#19)
The First Cavalry Division, Horse Cavalry Detachment based at Fort Hood, Tex., is the last horse-mounted cavalry unit in the U.S. Army. The mission of the detachment is threefold: to represent the 1st Cavalry Division and the Army in public appearances throughout the country, to assist in recruiting by demonstrating the professionalism of today's soldier and to maintain the proud traditions forged by the cavalry in our country's colorful history.
The detachment demonstrates the precision and skills of the cavalryman of 1880, both in horsemanship and weapons usage. The mounted demonstration includes drill maneuvers at the walk, trot and gallop. The weapons portion of the show demonstrates the mounted use of the Cavalry Saber, .45 caliber Revolver and the Springfield Carbine. The Horse Cavalry Detachment was formed in 1972 and has performed at numerous fairs, parades and rodeos throughout Texas. This is their sixth Rose Parade appearance.
Marshal: Captain Randall Davis
Gypsy Cob (#71)
For nearly 100 years, gypsies have bred and used colorful cob horses to pull their ornately decorated carts and living wagons through the country lanes of England and Ireland. The beautiful colors of these horses were not only pleasing to the eye, but also made them instantly recognizable, which helped to prevent them from being stolen or swapped discretely for inferior horses.
Here in the U.S. gypsy horses have come to be known by several different names including: Irish tinker, gypsy vanner, gypsy cob, Irish cob and Romany horse. The most sought-after gypsy horses are bred by generations of gypsy families, which have prized and guarded bloodlines that produce the highest quality of horses. The gypsy horse is extremely rare in North America, numbering only around 400 to 500. The team consists of four black and white gypsy cob horses and riders in formation, dressed in period costumes.
Marshal: Betsy (Elizabeth) Eby
Long Beach Mounted Police (#74)
The Long Beach Mounted Police are noted for their beautiful golden palominos, with snow-white manes and tails, and their sterling silver saddles. The unique, handmade saddles are a work of art reflecting the traditions of early California history and the romance of the Western movies of the 1930s and 1940s. The group is also noted for its colorful Western outfits, which have become the trademark of this organization.
The group was founded in 1935 by 16 men who combined their affection for riding with their pride in their city and the Long Beach Police Department by representing them in major events throughout the nation. One rider is a fourth-generation Long Beach Mounted Police member. Riders come from as far away as Sacramento to be a part of this world-famous organization.
Marshal: Jim Griffin
Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard (#3)
The Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard is the last remaining mounted color guard in the Marine Corps today. The riders are currently serving as active duty members in the U.S. Marine Corps, stationed at the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Barstow, Calif. The horses are America's living legend: wild mustangs of palomino color acquired through the Bureau of Land Management "Adopt a Horse and Burro Program."
Since 1967, the Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard has represented the Marines in numerous events throughout the Western United States. Riders wear the Marines' military Dress Blue Uniform with ribbons and badges, white britches and black field boots. The horses are outfitted with black "Winthec" English saddles, handmade black bridles and breast collars with Marine Corps emblems and red and gold (Marine colors) blankets.
Marshal: Gunnery Sergeant Ivan Collazo Sanchez
